Archives for September 2008

‘So you’re interested in becoming an announcer someday? Oh, absolutely. I think it would be a fun career to pursue. A lot of people don’t realize how much work goes into putting together a telecast, so I’m just trying to get involved with it a little more while I’m still playing. The more you do it, the more comfortable you’ll be.’

‘But the NFL has improved the mechanics of reviews. The average time of a review, from the moment the referee sticks his head in the review camera to the moment he walks out on the field, was just 47 seconds last year. That’s down 20 seconds from two years before. However, TV networks go to commercial during 75 percent of reviews. So the average delay is 2:38.’

‘The Jaguars will field a high percentage of blockers who are even more nameless than typical offensive guardians, with one exception for Bills fans: The right guard for Sunday’s game will likely be Tutan Reyes, whom some may remember as a forgettable cog on Buffalo’s 2006 roster. Reyes emerging as the best option realistically means there are zero other options.’

‘"That’s Perry’s philosophy, emphasizing speed and running to the football," said defensive end Chris Kelsay. "It has been in place since these (coaches) got here, but now we have the right personnel to do it.""

‘Chris Ellis, Reggie Corner and Demetrius Bell were inactive for week one. Alvin Bowen is out for the season. Derek Fine is back in practice, but he’s not more than a special teamer this season. Is this a sign of poor drafting? Maybe, although I’m not buying it. I’m guessing it’s the handiwork of gone-but-not-forgotten Marv Levy starting to pay off. The Bills needed to start by rebuilding their offensive and defensive lines, and have done so. They desperately needed depth and found that, too.’

‘”I don’t have any hard feelings [with Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio],” Stroud said. “I guess my relationship with him is the same as when I left. It was a decision they made. They felt my production had gone down and they told me to seek a trade. Buffalo was the team that showed the most interest and they wanted me.”‘

‘”I have a healthy respect for what Dick Jauron and his staff and that organization have put together,” Del Rio said. “They’ve kind of flown below the radar a little bit – not in our minds. We’ve been studying the tape, knowing this is our home opener for a couple of weeks. They’ve put together a nice program.”‘

Bills looking better (Florida Times Union)

Jaguars sell tickets, avert TV blackout (Florida Times Union)

Jags special teams facing challenge (Jaguars.com)

Jaguars home opener on local TV (Jaguars.com)

Don’t hate them, thank them (Jaguars.com)

The Jaguars Foundation Presents The Official Playbooks 2008-2009 (Jaguars.com)

‘Buffalo special teams coach Bobby April spoke of Parrish’s return like a proud father. “He had a great game – 120 yards – boy, that’s a lot,” said April with a huge smile. “It was kind of a unique play because he had a lot of great blocks, but at the same time, to make it go, it had to be a great return too.” Head coach Dick Jauron said he told the team after practice of Parrish’s award and anticipates incorporating the speedy returner in the offense as a receiver.”‘

‘”I keep in touch with the guys. We’re all good friends still but, hey, it’s down to business, man. When it comes down to Sunday, it’s us against them and that’s the mentality I’m taking.”‘

‘Jaguars 24, Bills 17.’

‘The environment could be one of the toughest the Bills will face this season. The Jaguars are 5-1 at home in September the last four years, taking advantage of still-sweltering summer heat and humidity that saps energy and leaves opponents sucking down fluids, gasping for air and trying to find a seat in the shade or in front of one of those oversized sideline cooling fans. Forecasts call for it to be sunny, with a high of 93 degrees and 64 percent humidity – exactly what the Jaguars want against a team from the northeast.’

‘What sets Parrish apart is how fearless he is to run in traffic for someone listed at 5-foot-9 and 171 pounds.’

‘Coach Dick Jauron said Peters looked good in practice, but added he’ll likely wait until Saturday before determining whether to add the player to the active roster. Peters took part in only his second full team practice since ending an offseason-long holdout last weekend.’

‘Buffalo has until 4pm on Saturday to activate Peters to the 53-man roster. The Bills were granted a two game roster exemption by the league after Peters reported to the club last Saturday.’